Williams envisions fresh greens, carrots, tomatoes, squash and other staples on the shelves. She wants the prices to be fair and competitive when compared to other stores in the area.

"I'm ready to get going," Williams said Tuesday, standing in the middle of her department at Neighbors' Market.

She grows a garden at home and wants to teach local residents more about healthy meal options.

Government funding for food deserts will pay for the store, Moody said.

He’s experienced financial woes in the past, according the Southern Illinoisan, but Moody is confident this effort will be a success in East St. Louis, where he said more fresh produce markets are needed.

A meat department run by Justin McGrew, a longtime butcher, will offer fresh-cut bacon, meat and items that are seasoned and stuffed.

The market on North 15th Street is one of two projects Moody and Bussey are overseeing in the city. Their second enterprise is the Harvest Market Project at Ninth Street and Missouri Avenue.

The exterior of the Neighbors' Market, coming to 1005 N. 15th St. in East St. Louis.
Cara Anthony
canthony@bnd.com

That project, which is much larger than Neighbors' Market, is expected to be completed later this year, Moody said.

For now, he’s focused on opening Neighbors’ Market in the next few weeks.

The previous owners, who operated under the name Jazz Market, weren’t able to keep the market open, but Moody hopes his 40 years in the grocery business will make a difference this time. He wants to cater to the senior residents who live in the units above the market.

The market also wants to serve MetroLink commuters looking for a grab-and-go meal or snack.

Neighbors' Market will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

“Our people need to have special attention, for one,” Moody said. “Number two, good food and produce for healthy eating.”

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